Prompt: Brian Blessed - "There's no-one like you. We've all got something that no-one else has got. Follow your dream and don't let the bastards grind you down." - 'Russell Howard's Good News'
Looking into the mirror, I felt like I was staring at a stranger. The black blazer with red trimming was dull and so not me. The tie was one that I might possibly buy for my father or Finn but never myself. And yet I was wearing them because that was the dress code; the one thing about Dalton that I absolutely positively hated.
I sighed, reminding myself silently that I was doing this to stay safe. A dress code had never killed anyone but bullies had.
Turning from the mirror, I flopped down on the bed in the dorm room I shared with Wes. The head of the Warbler Council hadn't made his way back to the room yet, for which I was glad. After hearing Blaine's advice about the failure of my audition, I really didn't want to hear from someone who had judged that audition.
As if my thoughts had conjured him up though, Wes chose that moment to walk through the door.
"Hey, Kurt," Wes replied, pushing the door shut behind him.
"Hi," I replied, knowing my greeting lacked the cheerfulness of my roommates but not really caring.
Wes placed the books he was carrying down on his desk, and glanced over in my direction.
"I know not getting a solo is disappointing but you can't win them all," Wes said.
"I know," I replied changing my gaze to the ceiling which was just as bland as the Dalton uniform.
"And if it helps, I voted for you to get the solo. I think you gave a flawless performance but David and Thad felt we'd be better off sticking to something we know works."
"Is that your way of telling me I need to work harder on fitting in here?" I asked, Blaine's words echoing in my mind.
"Hell no," Wes replied, catching my attention. I looked back in his direction. "I mean, yes follow the rules so you don't get into trouble, but beyond that be yourself. We're all unique but you possess the strength that a lot of people don't have, which allows you to express that quality about you despite what others think. Don't lose that, Kurt. The people are worth it are going to like you no matter what and those who can't accept you aren't worth it. You'll get your solo one day, but write now the Warblers aren't ready to embrace your artistry."
I felt the heavy feeling that had been following me around for the last few hours start to lift at Wes' encouraging words.
"Thanks," I told my roommate appreciatively. Maybe there were things here worth enduring the awful dress code for.